Services > Software

METECS has extensive experience with software development and build automation tools that efficiently manage the development of complex software systems.

Flight Software Development

METECS provides flight software development, integration, and test services for two key pieces of the ISS robotics system in support of Johnson Space Center's ER6 branch, these include:

Workstation Host Software (WHS)

Video Graphics Software (VGS)

Executing on the ISS Robotic Workstation (RWS), these components are part of the "command and control" center responsible for all Mobile Servicing System (MSS) hardware, including the 57 foot long Canadarm2, and the smaller, more dexterous, two armed robot, "Dextre". The WHS is responsible for shuttling/managing commands and telemetry passing to/from the MSS components. The VGS is responsible for overlaying key graphical aids on the RWS monitors. These aids are used by the crew members to monitor robotic systems and operations, including approach, capture, and berthing of visiting vehicles, such as the SpaceX Dragon capsule. METECS will continue to provide software updates/maintenance and on-orbit troubleshooting of the WHS and VGS over the life of the ISS.

Robotic workstation (RWS) located in the Cupola Module of the International Space Station (ISS).

Cupola RWS with graphical overlays displayed on the 3 monitors.

Continuous Integration Tools

METECS has extensive experience configuring continuous integration tools, such as the open source tool "Jenkins", for multiple software projects of varying sizes. These tools improve software development and maintenance efficiency by continuously building and testing software projects, thereby minimizing the impact of "broken builds". This capability makes it easier for developers to integrate changes to a project by automatically performing validation tasks and tracking project specific metrics, issues, and performance statistics.

In a recent example, METECS implemented a continuous integration solution for NASA's Training Systems for the 21st Century (TS21) which provides continuous validation related to various simulation software code bases. This system provides utility to over 100 active software developers, allowing them to contribute to the team with unparalleled efficiency. One of the most notable improvements to the TS21 project, is the immediate feedback provided when a code push breaks the main product-line simulation. This feature alone has significantly reduced the burdensome effort spent identifying the source of integration issues.

A view of the continuous integration solution METECS designed for NASA's TS21.